Dear Chairman Genachowski: We are writing as organizations that represent the most vulnerable communities in our country, communities that are less likely to have broadband access but are more likely to be marginalized by the news media, to urge the Federal Communications Commission to take the legal steps necessary to reestablish its authority to regulate broadband network operators following the recent decision issued by the U.S. District Court of Appeals. The court’s decision in Comcast v. FCC leaves the most vulnerable members of our society without legal protection from the business ambitions of large cable and telecom companies. These companies have a history of refusing to build out their broadband networks to our communities. They have also made the price of broadband access so prohibitive that many families remain on the wrong side of the digital divide. We urge the FCC to reestablish its authority to regulate these network providers. Without doing so, the FCC will be unable to implement its National Broadband Plan, eliminate the digital divide, and protect our Internet freedoms by passing Network Neutrality rules. Absent such rules, companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon will be able to discriminate online by preventing the public from accessing the news and information they need to empower themselves, their families, and their communities. The FCC’s recent study showed that people of color are among the least connected communities in our country. Only 59 percent of African American households and only 49 percent of Latino households have broadband access. Among households earning less than $20,000 per year, only 40 percent are connected. Broadband is deployed in less than 10 percent of Tribal lands. Bridging the digital divide is critical to improving the quality of life for poorer families who want an equal opportunity and a fair chance to compete in today’s society. Our organizations were hopeful that the National Broadband Plan was an important first step toward providing everyone with access to broadband. We were also hopeful when the FCC started a rulemaking proceeding to adopt Network Neutrality regulations to protect our freedom to speak for ourselves without seeking permission from corporate gatekeepers.

The deregulatory decisions of the past now threaten the Commission’s continued ability to make policy decisions that best serve the public interest. . The communities we represent are the least likely to be represented in policy fights taking place in Washington even though they are often the most directly impacted. We urge the FCC to re-establish its authority to regulate broadband networks: such a move is critical to enabling greater civic participation, protecting cultural and individual self-expression, and promoting economic opportunities for all members of our society. Regards,

Dear Chairman Genachowski: We are writing as organizations that represent the most vulnerable communities in our country, communities that are less likely to have broadband access but are more likely to be margi